Bike Thomsonhttp://www.bikethomson.com
Mon, 05 Dec 2016 13:45:12 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7How to prepare your bike for winter cyclinghttp://www.bikethomson.com/blog/prepare-bike-winter-cycling/
Tue, 22 Nov 2016 19:31:08 +0000http://www.bikethomson.com/?p=5972Winter is coming. Many cyclists will put their cycling on hold and hibernate for the winter (or whatever it is non-cyclists do). All jokes aside, winter cycling brings with it a new set of challenges and often requires a higher level of motivation and commitment. Along with the obvious changes in clothing and physical gear to protect your body, your bike will require some extra care and attention to both prepare it before your rides and maintain it after you’re done riding.

]]>Winter is coming. Many cyclists will put their cycling on hold and hibernate for the winter (or whatever it is non-cyclists do). All jokes aside, winter cycling brings with it a new set of challenges and often requires a higher level of motivation and commitment. Along with the obvious changes in clothing and physical gear to protect your body, your bike will require some extra care and attention to both prepare it before your rides and maintain it after you’re done riding.

Proper Tires

Equipping your bike with proper tires is absolutely crucial to safe winter cycling. If you live in an area that gets hit by harder, snowier winters, then the widest tire that will fit your frame at lower pressures are your best option. Studded tires are ideal if you’re going to be almost exclusively riding through snow. If you live in an area that gets wet winters where freezing temperatures aren’t always reached, then narrow tires work better. In both cases, it’s a good idea to use tires with widely spaced knobs.

Winter Fenders

Another wise addition to your winter setup is a pair of fenders. Not only will they keep a lot of the debris, such as mud and snow, off of your bike, but they will also help keep you dry. If you decide to invest in some fenders for the winter, make sure the ones you buy are able to last the winter; freezing temperatures can be too much for plastic fenders to handle, as they’ll often end up cracking. Aluminum and steel are better options for those colder climates.

Clean your baby

Lastly, it’s important to keep your chain, brakes, and other related areas clean. You should clean them far more often than normal to keep all of the wet winter grit out. You should also grease the chain and cable guides with lube that is specifically made for wet conditions.

Follow these basic tips and you’ll be on your way to excellent winter cycling!

]]>Did You Forget Your Bike’s 199th Birthday?http://www.bikethomson.com/blog/birthday-gifts-by-thomson-bike-products/
Sat, 15 Oct 2016 12:30:56 +0000http://www.bikethomson.com/?p=5619You can’t imagine a future without your bike—your most trusted companion that never lets you down, right? Well, it’s a good thing you didn’t live 200 years ago, because then, bicycles were merely an idea. However, if you lived 199 years ago, you would’ve been in luck! Well, kind of. Choose Thomson Bike Products for your bike’s birthday gifts!

]]>You can’t imagine a future without your bike—your most trusted companion that never lets you down, right? Well, it’s a good thing you didn’t live 200 years ago, because then, bicycles were merely an idea. However, if you lived 199 years ago, you would’ve been in luck! Well, kind of.

In 1817, the first bicycle (called the draisienne) was invented. It shouldn’t even be considered a bicycle since it only allowed you to walk faster. The draisienne consisted of handlebars, a seat, and two wheels. Pedals? Forget about those! Pedals weren’t invented until half a century later. With the draisienne, you glided to work. Thankfully, over the next two centuries, the bicycle evolved into what it is today:

Thomson Bike Products For Your Bike’s 199th Birthday

Guys, this birthday is a big one. She’ll never tell you, but it’s true … she wants you to buy her a little something special for her birthday. Maybe something that compliments her inner beauty. (Are we still talking about your bike? Of course!) Thomson Bike Products has gifts for every occasion:

Drop Bars ($249.95): Sporting new handlebars is like getting a new haircut. Everyone will notice and your girl will feel like a million bucks.

Elite Seatpost ($99.95): Your trusted companion always supports you (literally). How about treating her to new legs… I mean, a new seatpost?

]]>Cycling Health Benefits You Didn’t Know Abouthttp://www.bikethomson.com/blog/cycling-health-benefits/
Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:58:22 +0000http://www.bikethomson.com/?p=5460Statistics show that 100 million people ride their bike every year in America. However, only 14 million ride their bike at least twice a week. If you are in that 14% margin, you are most likely healthier, happier, and have more street cred.

]]>Statistics show that 100 million people ride their bike every year in America. However, only 14 million ride their bike at least twice a week. If you are in that 14% margin, you are most likely healthier, happier, and have more street cred.

Cycling Health Benefits

Aside from the obvious cycling health benefits, you know the ones we’re talking about—weight loss and muscle gain—there are many benefits to riding your bike that people forget.

You get to learn a new language. This language consists of zero words and two arm movements. Needless to say, it’s easy to learn! To signal your left-turn intention, simply extend your left arm perpendicular to your body roughly 30 feet before turning. To signal your right-turn intention, simply extend your right arm perpendicular to your body roughly 30 feet before turning. Once you have this language down pat, you not only can add another language to your resume, you will be safely navigating the streets!

Your body will thank you. Running, while great exercise, is harsh on your joints. If you choose to cycle, your legs will receive a great workout without as much wear and tear on your knees and feet. Andy Clarke, the president of the League of American Bicyclists says it best, “Cycling gets your legs moving and your heart pumping without pounding your joints.”

Everyone will be jealous of your organic helmet hair. Helmet hair is the new black. When you take off your helmet and keep the creases in your hair, you’re telling everyone who looks your way that you just worked out. (Cue music: “I work out!”)

Fresh air is extremely good for you. Fresh air doesn’t only smell good. It increases energy, helps with digestion, and gives your lungs a break from city air. Hit the trails with our Thomson Elite 275 Bike and enjoy this fall weather.

]]>Your bike is your second love in life. Whatever your first love may be, we understand how much your bike means to you. You’ve been through a lot together. There’s been a ton of adventures, broken bones, belly laughs with good folks, and probably quite a few stories you don’t need to share. In order to keep your baby, I mean, your bike, operating at its highest capacity, you need to pay attention to the small bike parts it needs.

Bike Thomson uses high-quality, proprietary hardware not available at your local hardware store. Shop today for any bike part you may need!

Buying quality bike parts is important to increase the longevity of your bike. Make sure to install the part properly to ensure rider safety.

Bolt Kits & Torque Wrenches

At Bike Thomson, we provide three different types of bolt kits: the seatpost bolt kit, dropper bolt kit, and collar bolt kit. These bolt kits are replacement parts if you lose bolts or ruin the bolts by over-tightening. Ha
ving high-quality bolts are vital to ensuring the body of your bike functions properly. If the bolts are low-quality, the body of your bike is not being held together very well, and we all know that can turn into serious scar stories.

After you buy our bolt kits, make sure you use a torque wrench to install your bolts. A torque tool is extremely accurate and more reliable than doing it by hand—even if you are the thumb war champion of Milwaukee. There is no guessing when using a torque wrench. This tool informs you when the bolt is tight enough, ensuring a properly assembled bike.

If you don’t use a torque wrench to install the bolts, you may over-tighten the bolt. If a bolt is too tight, the small part may break if it endures too much pressure. This small, broken bolt will leave you with a big problem. A problem will also occur if the bolt is not tight enough. When a bolt is loose, it can cause unwanted events such as:

Increasing amount of wear and tear to your pride and joy

Loss of control and possible crash

Clicking or creaking sound

Using a torque wrench for installation will maximize the life of the component and ensure rider safety.

Call us today at 478-788-5052 for any questions regarding bike parts.

]]>Preparing For Your First Long Distance Cycling Trekhttp://www.bikethomson.com/blog/long-distance-cycling-trek/
Fri, 15 Jul 2016 13:00:16 +0000http://www.bikethomson.com/?p=4944You may be contemplating a bike trek across America or a summer vacation with only your bike. If you enjoy a long bike ride, you’re in good company! This month, 198 cyclists from all over the world compete against each other for bragging rights and the yellow winner’s jersey. This 21-stage tour covers a distance of 2,186 miles of mostly French ground. This 22-day tour marks the 103rd Tour de France since 1903.

]]>You may be contemplating a long distance cycling trek across America or a summer vacation with only your bike. If you enjoy a long bike ride, you’re in good company! This month, 198 cyclists from all over the world compete against each other for bragging rights and the yellow winner’s jersey. This 21-stage tour covers a distance of 2,186 miles of mostly French ground. This 22-day tour marks the 103rd Tour de France since 1903.

5 Tips for Your Long Distance Cycling Trek

Whether you dream about competing in the Tour de France or wish to spend your summer days on a long-distance bike trek, keep these tricks and tips in mind to make your biking experience a great one!

Plan Your Adventure in Detail

Choosing what route to take is a huge, exhilarating decision. After that decision, break down your trek by planning your daily goals and needs. Certain daily decisions that can be planned in advance include meals, lodging, and travel distance. Knowing in advance what your day holds will help minimize wasted time and maximize opportunities.

Start Training Now

Every time you cycle, push yourself a little harder than the previous ride. Train during different parts of the day and on diverse landscapes. Make sure to record your time spent training, what type of ride you had, and how you felt afterwards. This will help you narrow down where your problem areas are and understand more fully what you excel in!

Find the Right Bike for Your Long Distance Cycling Trek

In order to have a successful and comfortable bike ride, the right bike is necessary. In order to find the perfect bike, exercise on different bikes to decide which one is the most comfortable. We recommend the Thomson Elite 275 Bike for your trail adventures.

Choose a Supported or Non-Supported Bike Trek

Many people choose a supported bike trek while cycling a long distance. A supported bike trek simply means that people will meet you at certain points along your ride to give you supplies, meals, or other necessities.

A non-supported bike trek means everything you need or want on your bike trek needs to be planned by you. Depending on which type of bike ride you choose will influence what you pack.

Create a Budget

You may need to set aside money for food or lodging for your long-distance bike ride. However, allow some of your budget to be for souvenirs or events. The adventure is in the travel, not necessarily in the final destination.

]]>Beat the Heat With Your Summer Bike Ride Planhttp://www.bikethomson.com/blog/beat-heat-summer-bike-ride-plan/
Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:20:00 +0000http://www.bikethomson.com/?p=4706Middle Georgia is no stranger to the sun’s heat. A summer day can easily heat up into the 90s making for a sizzling work-out. Don’t put away your bike just because the sun is out. Being informed, creating a summer bike ride plan, and taking necessary precautions are the first steps to an enjoyable summer bike ride.

]]>Middle Georgia is no stranger to the sun’s heat. A summer day can easily heat up into the 90s making for a sizzling work-out. Don’t put away your bike just because the sun is out. Being informed, creating a summer bike ride plan, and taking necessary precautions are the first steps to an enjoyable summer bike ride.

Bike Ride Plan: Tips to Cycle by

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself. The body cools itself by regulating its temperature with cooler air or by sweating. To avoid heat stress it is important to acclimate your body to the heat. If you’re not used to riding in humid 90 degree weather, start cycling in the cooler parts of the day such as dusk or dawn. Allow your body to get used to the heat in small increments before setting out for a longer, more intense bike ride.

Drinking water is vital to a good work-out. Over half of an adult body consists of water. No matter what you’re doing, water is leaving your body. To balance this out, keep your body continually hydrated to allow the body to function properly. Drinking water helps regulate your internal body temperature and protects against the heat.

Wearing the right summer cycling gear can add miles to your bike ride plan. From your socks to your sunglasses, be intentional about every piece of clothing you wear. For any skin that is exposed, lather up with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Be Informed: Heat Reactions

It is crucial to be aware of the different ways your body is responding to the heat. Usually, your body will give physical signals that something internally is not functioning properly. Here are four reactions to be aware of concerning the heat:

Heat rashes occur when wet clothing consistently rubs on your skin.

Heat stroke occurs when the body fails to regulate temperature and the body’s internal temperature rises to dangerous levels. Medical attention is necessary.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body endures extreme heat and a lack of water.

Heat cramps occur during or after hard physical labor in hot weather. To avoid cramps, stay hydrated with water and drinks with electrolytes such as Gatorade, Powerade, or Vitamin Water.

If you are in need of any bike parts to add the finishing touches to your bike, check out Bike Thomson. Stay safe and enjoy your summer bike ride!

]]>Thomson Elite 275 Bike: Simple but Powerfulhttp://www.bikethomson.com/blog/thomson-elite-275-bike-simple-powerful/
Wed, 18 May 2016 13:14:25 +0000http://www.bikethomson.com/?p=4547At Thomson Bike Parts, we’ve built a reputation for creating innovative and durable bike parts. In 2014, we decided to expand our line to include the Thomson Elite 275 Bike: everything you’ve come to expect out of a Thomson component now in a mountain bike.

]]>At Thomson Bike Parts, we’ve built a reputation for creating innovative and durable bike parts. In 2014, we decided to expand our line to include the Thomson Elite 275 Bike: everything you’ve come to expect out of a Thomson component now in a mountain bike. We partnered with Lynskey, one of the best titanium frame builders in the U.S. to give you a bike that is simple and elegant, but powerful enough to take whatever the trails dish out.

About the Thomson Elite 275

The Elite 275 is handmade in the U.S. and features our latest products and products from iconic cycling brands. As with everything we do, each bike is created with close attention to detail, understated graphics, meticulous assembly, and high quality.

The bike is serviceable and customizable. Our suspension experts consult with you to ensure maximum performance. If you would like to pick your bike up from our Macon, Georgia factory, you can take it for a spin on the Thomson trail. Plus, we’ll give you a tour.

Order Yours

Since the Elite 275 is available by custom order only, contact Thomson Bike Parts at 478-788-5052 for more information. Or, you can complete this order form and we’ll be in touch. We’ll give you pricing information after talking with you about your custom Thomson bike.

]]>Celebrate National Bike Month with Thomson Bike Parts!http://www.bikethomson.com/blog/celebrate-national-bike-month-thomson-bike-parts/
Wed, 27 Apr 2016 12:00:45 +0000http://www.bikethomson.com/?p=4359The best month of the year is right around the corner! May is National Bike Month, and cyclists new and old will celebrate across the country by biking to work and participating in other awesome events that promote the benefits of cycling. Here at Thomson Bike Parts, we’re excited about a few events in particular.

]]>The best month of the year is right around the corner! May is National Bike Month, and cyclists new and old will celebrate across the country by biking to work and participating in other awesome events that promote the benefits of cycling. Here at Thomson Bike Parts, we’re excited about a few events in particular.

Win a Seatpost & Collar!

We’re celebrating National Bike Month by giving away an Elite seatpost and collar to one lucky winner! We will post contest details on May 2 on our Facebook page. Stay tuned!

Bike to Work Week & Bike to Work Day

Bike to Work Week begins May 16 and culminates with Bike to Work Day on May 20. This is one of the biggest events in National Bike Month, and many people have discovered a love for biking after participating in past Bike to Work Day festivities.

According to The League of American Bicyclists, 40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles. If you live near your office, biking to work is a healthy and eco-friendly way to get to work. Plus, it’s pretty fun. Thanks to Bike to Work Day and other initiatives, bicycle commuting increased 105% from 2000-2013.

Bike to School Day

Bike to School Day, hosted by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, will take place May 4. This event began in 2012 as a sister event to Walk to School Day, celebrated in October. Bike to School Day promotes the importance of designing and maintaining safe biking and walking routes to and from schools so children and parents can commute in a secure, eco-friendly way.

CycloFemme

Mother’s Day isn’t the only important celebration happening on May 8. That same day, men and women across the U.S. and around the world will participate in rides to promote and empower women and women’s cycling as part of CycloFemme. Learn more or register a ride.

Plan Your Own Event

It’s never too late to plan a National Bike Month event. Visit The League of American Bicyclists’ website for a step-by-step guide to creating a successful event for your business, community, or group. If you’re already planning an event, add it to the national listing.